Shiamak Davar among desis at the Queen Elizabeth II's bash

Shiamak Davar says attending royal dinner at Buckingham Palace will be a dream come true

Shiamak Davar and Queen Elizabeth II

Dance guru Shiamak Davar is off to London for the UK-India Year of Culture launch to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace today.

Speaking to mid-day on the eve of the event, Shiamak said, "I always look forward to visiting London because it was here that my dance journey really began (at the Pineapple Dance Studio). Starting my Dance Academy in the UK was a dream that came true a few years back. Now with the love and support of my students and well wishers, the dream of meeting Queen Elizabeth II is coming true. It is the joy my mother feels through these achievements that make me happy."

The event is an opportunity to strengthen the cultural partnership between the two countries. Later that evening, the Queen will be joined by husband and Duke of Edinburgh, grandson Prince William and his wife Kate as they host a special reception to celebrate the launch. Finance minister Arun Jaitley will represent the Indian government at the reception along with a delegation of Indian parliamentarians, actors and sportspersons. The Band of the Grenadier Guards will play a selection of Indian-themed music, including tracks from the 2009 box-office hit Slumdog Millionaire.